Course Descriptions

SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSE

Our Spanish language courses are available at 6 levels, ranging from Beginner Spanish (A1) to Proficient Spanish (C2). To ensure maximum learning and exposure to the language, these courses are taught in Spanish and employ a communicative approach. Your professor will use a wide range of materials and pedagogical techniques in covering all the fundamentals of the Spanish language: grammar and vocabulary, reading and writing, speaking and listening, etc. Our Spanish language classes are divided into the following Spanish course levels:

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING

If you are interested in learning about international marketing from a European perspective, this course will show you how the marketing mix crosses national boundaries and different strategies are essential for communication. The course will take students step by step through different stages of a businesses marketing plan from establishing manufacturing facilities overseas and coordinating marketing strategies around the globe. Looking at the understanding of cultural differences, valued Spanish brands, brand management, promotion strategies, globalization and the current global economic crisis and the effects that have been seen in Spain and Europe, students will learn the fundamental concepts of international marketing and its associated challenges. This course is worth 3 credits and is offered in both the Semester Abroad and Summer Abroad programs.

BARCELONA AND ITS HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS

If you are interested in learning about how Barcelona became the city you see today, this course follows the economic, social and political trajectory of Barcelona over the past 2,000 years. You will delve into many of the most definitive events of the city's history as well as reflect upon their influence on the city's development, culture, architecture and society. We will also take a look at urban development in Barcelona and how it has impacted our interaction with the city today. This course is worth 3 credits and is offered in both the Semester Abroad and Summer Abroad programs.

GREAT ARTISTS AND SURREALISM IN SPAIN

With art museums and stunning architecture gracing the streets of Barcelona, there is little doubt that Barcelona has an eye for aesthetic creativity. This course will focus primarily on three of the city's most prolific 20th-century artists; Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan MIró. We will look into their artwork its impact on Catalonia as well as Catalonia's impact on their artwork. Over the course of the curriculum we will explore and seek to answer a series of questions: How did the artists conform to, or reject, tradition? What elements of the artists' personal lives were portrayed in their works? What level of interaction existed with other international artists? What stories of Spanish and Catalan history are told through their works? What's more, the excellent museums of Barcelona will become extentions of your classroom, providing you with the opportunity to learn about these artists and their works while seeing the artwork in person! This course is worth 3 credits and is offered in both the Semester Abroad and Summer Abroad programs.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

In today's increasingly interconnected world, almost all business is international business. This course will provide you with an overview of the economic, political, cultural and legal issues, advantages and disadvantages that businesses face as globalization becomes increasingly entrenched in our daily lives. During the course you will explore various topics and seek to answer a series of questions, such as: What factors make studying International Business unique to studying “regular” Business? Why does understanding international business mean so much more than just speaking another language? How are Marketing and Management affected when we talk about international business? What developments of the last few decades have propelled business to become international? This course is worth 3 credits and is offered in both the Semester Abroad and Summer Abroad programs.

CATALAN SOCIETY THROUGH SPORT

Sport plays an essential role in Spanish society and affects all levels of life from social institutions to government and law. During this course, you will take a look at the presence and impact of sports in Catalonian history, society and culture. We will begin by establishing a theoretical foundation of sports in general as well as an anthropological approach to society, after which we will focus more specifically on the evolution and current presence sports in Catalonian society. This course is worth 3 credits and is offered in the Semester Abroad program.

SPANISH CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE

The Spanish Civilization and Culture course will provide you with an excellent and comprehensive look at the main events of Spanish history as well as their impact upon the lifestyle and culture of present-day Spain. We will gain a better understanding of current political, cultural and ideological tendencies by delving into the principle areas of the Spanish lifestyle as well as tracking their changes over the last century. We will look at  far-reaching social issues such as politics, gender, class and religion, as well as issues facing Spain today such as obesity, regionalism, changing trends in food, and especially the Spanish family. Finally, we will compare the cultural trends of Spain with those of the United States so that students gain a new perspective and understanding of their own culture. This course is worth 3 credits and is offered in both the Semester Abroad and Summer Abroad programs.

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